Josh Shapiro proposes state climate program to replace RGGI, and asks for new renewable energy goals | StateImpact Pennsylvania
Pa. governor wants more renewables, state cap-and-trade program NPR
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Gov. Josh Shapiro Proposes Pennsylvania-Specific Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Introduction
On March 13, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced his own version of a program aimed at limiting climate-warming pollution from power plants. He also set new goals for increasing the state’s use of renewable energy sources. These proposals are expected to save ratepayers $250 million over five years and create 14,500 jobs. The plans have received support from environmental and renewable energy groups, while industry groups and lawmakers have expressed concerns about the impact on the fossil fuel economy.
The Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Initiative
Governor Shapiro’s program, known as the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Initiative, is based on the recommendations of his Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) working group. The committee, which included representatives from environmental, labor, and industry groups, concluded that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary and inevitable. They agreed that a cap-and-invest carbon regulation for the power sector would be the optimal approach.
Under PACER, the state would set a total pollution limit, and power plants would be required to purchase credits in order to release emissions. The revenue generated from this program would be used to provide electricity bill rebates to ratepayers, support low-income Pennsylvanians, and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency for homes and small businesses.
Response from Environmental Groups
Environmental groups have expressed support for Governor Shapiro’s proposals, while still advocating for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). They believe that RGGI can deliver significant benefits for the state and continue to defend the regulation in court. However, they are open to exploring alternative approaches, such as the PACER legislation, to address climate change and create jobs in the clean energy sector.
Criticism from Industry Groups
Industry groups, including the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance and the Power PA Jobs Alliance, have criticized Governor Shapiro’s alternative program. They argue that it would put Pennsylvania at a disadvantage and lead to job losses, increased energy costs, and higher localized pollution. These groups believe that any program should include all states that share an electric grid with Pennsylvania in order to maintain a level playing field.
Update to Renewable Energy Goals
In addition to the PACER Initiative, Governor Shapiro is proposing an update to Pennsylvania’s renewable energy goals. The current Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, set in 2004, require the state to obtain 8% of its energy from Tier I renewable sources and 10% from Tier II sources by 2021. Shapiro’s proposed Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) would increase the share of clean energy to 35% by 2035 and restructure the classes of incentivized energy into three tiers.
Tier I sources would include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, nuclear reactors, and fugitive emissions from coal mines and landfills. Tier II would include large-scale hydropower, natural gas or coal co-fired with clean hydrogen, fuel cells, and biomass energy. Tier III would include waste coal, natural gas or coal co-fired with less clean hydrogen, and municipal solid waste.
Conclusion
Governor Shapiro’s proposals to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in Pennsylvania have received both support and criticism. Environmental groups see these initiatives as important steps towards addressing climate change and creating clean energy jobs. Industry groups, on the other hand, are concerned about the potential negative impact on the fossil fuel economy. The fate of these proposals will depend on legislative action and ongoing discussions among stakeholders.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage of energy generated from renewable sources
- Reduction in carbon emissions from power plants
- Number of jobs created in the renewable energy sector
- Amount of money saved by ratepayers
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of energy generated from renewable sources |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation | – Reduction in carbon emissions from power plants – Number of jobs created in the renewable energy sector |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | – Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes | |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in carbon emissions from power plants |
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Source: stateimpact.npr.org
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